Home/Garden

Category

Common red chokeberry brings winter color to Northwest Florida

Bright red berries and foliage brighten the season Red Chokeberry (Aronia) species is a common native shrub found across Northwest Florida and across the lower 48 states. In the spring the bush boasts white flower clusters, and in the fall and winter months, bright red fruits and red foliage. Chokeberry is one of the few deciduous shrubs that can equal burning bush when it comes to colorful fall color. Habitat: thickets, clearings, low woods, and swamps....

Alaqua Animal Refuge furever friend of the week

Special feline looking for a holiday home This is the time of year when angels abound, and at Alaqua Animal Refuge we have more than a few of these beautiful beings in our midst.  One angel in particular shines like the Christmas star.  He even has a heavenly name — Gabriel.  Although he’s only six months old, this little cat has already been through a lot.  Found living at a gas station, Gabriel kept himself alive by drinking water from...

Alaqua Animal Refuge furever friend of the week

Handsome, friendly and lovable canine looking for new best friend This is Sammie, an adorable Yorkie mix currently residing at Alaqua Animal Refuge.  In his wiry tan coat, he’s ready for winter, and overflowing with the spirit of the season.  Make no mistake about this cute canine, he’s a permanent fixture on Santa’s “nice” list.  Besides being remarkably handsome, extremely friendly and totally lovable, Sammie possesses the character of a super hero.  And he’s not the least bit greedy. His...

Christmas for the birds and SWFD Elf Ride teach the spirit of giving

Walton area children give to nature and those in need On Dec. 4 children gathered at the Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa beach and spent the afternoon making ornaments for wild birds. Decorations were made of pine cones coated with peanut butter and bird seed along with pipe cleaners threaded with Cheerios. The children then decorated a tree next to the library as a special treat for the wildlife. The day quickly got more exciting when Santa arrived with...

Alaqua Animal Refuge furever friend of the week

A pint-sized canine with a personality You might expect a dog named Chopper to be large, tough and slightly intimidating.  Nothing could be farther from the truth with this week’s pet.  Although pint sized in stature, this miniature Pinscher/Manchester terrier mix more than makes up for his diminutive dimensions with personality plus.  His human friends at Alaqua Animal Refuge know him as a colossal clown who loves to play, and who sees and brings out the best in everyone . ...

Patriot Flag to fly at South Walton Fire District headquarters Jan. 17

Memorial flag on its journey across all 50 states honoring the fallen on September 11, 2001 Time: 10 a.m. Location Changed: Publix at South Walton, 2038 U.S. Hwy. 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) will hoist a 60 by 30 foot American “Patriot” flag at the Publix at South Walton, 2038 U.S. Hwy. 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011. The Patriot Flag is part of a yearlong memorial leading up to...

Seagrove Garden Club hosts holiday program and lunch Dec. 8

Auction to benefit local charities Time: 10 a.m. Location: Point Washington Methodist Church Fellowship Hall The Seagrove Garden Club’s holiday program and lunch is a recent tradition but one that all members eagerly await.  Members bring elegantly wrapped gifts that are then auctioned along with centerpieces.  This year table-top live trees that are fully decorated will be auctioned to the attendees.  For the past 8 years the club has used this auction format to raise money for people and charities that...

Santa flies into Silver Sands Factory Stores Dec. 4

Children invited to dress up and follow Santa in a parade There’s only one place on the Gulf Coast where Santa will literally fly in on a helicopter. Silver Sands Factory Stores has partnered with Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast for Santa’s Arrival to the Center via the AIRHeart helicopter. On Saturday, December 4, the local community is invited for Silver Sands Santa’s Arrival celebration at noon. All eyes will be on the sky as Santa waves from...